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Parkes Phoenix

Maggi Barnard

Maggi Barnard has been with the Parkes Phoenix since it was established in March 2016 and loves writing about her community.

Parliament Dancers

July 29, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Aunty Matilda House rugged up Tyrece and Keanau Robinson-Towney in her traditional fur cover. She was the first Aboriginal woman to do a welcome to country at Parliament House.

Tyrece and Keanau Robinson-Towney with Sena-tor Patrick Dodson from Western Australia.

Check Your Child Restraints

July 29, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

The recent free child restraint checking event held in Parkes and Forbes discovered that the majority of seats were incorrectly fitted.

The most common mistakes included shoulder straps needed adjustment, the seatbelt path was wrong, there wasn’t a large enough gap between the back of the front seat and the child restraint and capsule tether straps were used incorrectly.

If you missed this annual event, local fitters can install and check child restraints for a small fee. Find them in Parkes at Col Fletcher Ford and Kia and Parkes Tyrepower, and at Jelbart Dawson in Forbes.

Permanent Wiradjuri Exhibition In Parkes

July 29, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

The Wiradjuri Ngurambang Exhibition at the Parkes Library & Cultural Centre was officially opened on Tuesday night. At the opening were (L-R) Deputy Mayor Neil Westcott, Cr Marg Applebee, Robert Clegg, Mayor Ken Keith, Irene Ridge-way, Geoff Anderson and Cr Jacob Cass. (Read more about the exhibition and the talk by Beau Williams and Bruce Pascoe in next week’s edition.)

Top Astrophotography Entries On Show At The Dish

July 29, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Left: Old Giant in the Fog by Ian Inverarity was named the overall winner of the David Malin Awards. Right: The Photo Editor’s Choice went to Jarrod Andrews for ‘Beams at the Arctic Henge’.

A South Australian photographer was named the overall winner of the prestigious David Malin Awards in astrophotography at the Parkes Radio Telescope on Sunday.

Ian Inverarity entered the Nightscapes category with his image called ‘Old Giant in the Fog’ for which he won the top prize.

The Photo Editor’s Choice Award was won by Jarrod Andrews from Victoria for his image titled ‘Beams at the Arctic Henge’. Jeff Darmanin, a News Corp picture editor, judged the Photo Editor’s Choice awards.

The competition received entries from every state and territory of Australia and as the premier competition of its kind in Australia, a panel of distinguished Australian astrophotographers judged the category entries. Dr David Malin judged the overall winner from the list of these winners, as the best in show. The judging panel included Phil Hart and Alex Cherney, previous winners of the David Malin Awards, and of numerous other national and international astrophotography competitions.

It was not just technical skill that was awarded. The prizes went to pictures that captured the beauty of the sky and the intrinsic interest of astronomy in an aesthetically pleasing manner. Celestron Australia supported the competition with prizes to the value of $10,000.

The finest images will be exhibited in two parallel exhibitions. The first will be on show at the CSIRO Parkes Observatory’s Visitors Centre for the entire year. The second exhibition, organised by the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences, will tour Australia beginning in October. Last year’s received over 200,000 people Australia-wide making it the largest photographic exhibition in the country.

Historic Day For Forbes Junior AFL

July 29, 2022 By Alex Milsom

The Orange/Forbes under 12s, who scored a 50-point win over Dubbo, sing their song.

The Forbes Junior AFL Club made history on Sunday hosting a home game and competition at the Gaggin Oval for the first time in 36 years. 

All grades of the Orange/Forbes and Orange sides took wins over Dubbo Junior AFL in the AFL Central West junior competition. 

The Orange/Forbes under 12s continued their winning run with a commanding 50-point win against Dubbo. 

It was victory number eight for the Swamp Tigers as they won 8.14 (62) to 1.6 (12) in what can only be described as the best weather seen in Forbes all year for football of any code. 

Experienced mid-forwards Jack Sara and Sebastian Felice scored two goals each, while Zavier Felice kicked the last one in the last quarter to ice the game after Dubbo kept pressing throughout the contest. 

Best on ground were the Felice brothers, Zavier and Sebastian, along with Nicholas Wood. Mr Consistent, Max Ridge, was strong in the ruck, Tyson McLennan continues to improve each game, while the defensive duo of Romulus Milsom and Will Northey were strong. 

A blistering start and five goals from an inspired Cayden Metzeling propelled Orange/Forbes under 14s to a 57-point victory over Dubbo in round 9 of the competition. 

The Swamp Tigers slotted seven unanswered goals in the first half with Dubbo failing to back up the performance of their last encounter when Dubbo nearly caused an upset. 

Playing their first match after three weeks off and representative break, the Orange/ Forbes Swamp Tigers were a shining light in the 9.10 (64) to 1.1 (7) result. 

In other games the Orange Youth Girls took full advantage of the large Gaggin Oval to smash Dubbo 16.12 (108) to 0.1 (11), while in the under 17s Orange/Forbes won 12.1 (73) to 3.6 (24), in what was a very enjoyable match to watch. 

By Alex Milsom 

Rich Environment And Diverse Experiences At Forbes High

July 29, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Forbes High School is creating bright futures for all students who enter our gates. Our school environment is rich and filled with diverse experiences that cater for all learners. We are fortunate to have expansive grounds which have recently undergone significant transformation to ensure that our learning environment is inviting and conducive to learning. 

High quality educational experiences are what you find at Forbes High School. Highly experienced educators fill our classrooms who differentiate the learning to support all students. This creates an educational experience that shapes the future of the students, whether that be further study at university, TAFE or employment. All our graduating students are successful in the future career pathways and several of the cohort of 2022 have already secured university placements. 

Our passion at Forbes High School is providing the complete education experience. High quality teaching and learning is paramount, this occurs in an environment rich in extra curricula opportunities and in a highly supportive and inclusive environment. Forbes High School caters for all students and supports their educational pathway, recognising that individual needs must be supported. 

Forbes High School offers public speaking, academic competitions, sporting opportunities and caters to all areas of the Creative and Performing Arts. Recently, we had a very successful Forbes Eisteddfod with our school placed first in the schools point score trophy. 

We work closely with our community partners including Forbes Local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG), local businesses and our P and C. We have an active parent and community body who work alongside us ensuring that the education received at Forbes High School creates the best possible future for our students. 

EDUCATION WEEK 

Education Week 2022 takes place next week from 1-5 August. This year’s theme is ‘creating futures – education changes lives’ and celebrates quality education and the opportunities available to everyone in NSW public education. 

Education Week is your chance to celebrate the achievements of your school, students or learning community. “This year NSW public education continues to celebrate the journey students and learners take throughout the NSW Education system, focusing on how we are creating futures for our students, staff and families. 

“From the first days in child care to post-school pathways, our education system is preparing young people to be agile thinkers and lifelong learners.” 

Brilliant Minor Pairs Match

July 29, 2022 By Marty Tighe

The keenly anticipated Major Singles match between Rob Irving and Mick Went lived up to expectations with both bowlers playing outstandingly at the Parkes Bowling & Sports Club. Playing against the current club champion didn’t faze Rob as he went end to end with Mick. Mick settled after the 4th end and started to win consecutive ends to take the win 25 to 15. 

One of the best Minor Pairs matches in recent memory was played with Wilbur Harris as skip for Dean Searl against Chris Harrison and Ricky Frame. The match was decided on an extra end after scores were tied up at 20 all after 21 ends. 

Wilbur and Dean started surprisingly slow, trailing 4 to 10, but regained the lead and were on track to win leading 20 to 13 after 17 ends. However, team Frame won the next 4 ends to tie the score at 20 all. The playoff end was breathtakingly brilliant as ‘Son of Frame’ held the shot in a crowded head, and survived the Harris last bowls, to claim victory by 1 shot.

By Marty Tighe 

Snippets…

July 29, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

The Rotary Clubs of Parkes and Forbes have joined a District project initiated by the Rotary Club of Coolamon to support the Ukraine Appeal. Community members can purchase sunflower seeds for planting. The sunflower is the National floral emblem of Ukraine, so purchasing them will provide financial support, but also show solidarity with Ukraine. Funds raised will go to the Rotary’s Ukrainian Aid Fund, which has already received around a million dollars in donations.

Nominate A Tradie Today: Today, 29th July, is the closing date for this month’s Tradie of the Month competitions in Forbes and Parkes, sponsored by Gunn’s Menswear and Totally Work Wear respectively. Readers can nominate a tradie, male or female, to go into the draw and the winner each month will win a prize. Simply drop into Gunn’s Menswear or Totally Work Wear to nominate a tradie, or send us an email at editor@forbesphoenix.com.au or editor@parkesphoenix.com.au. 

Community Funding: Not-for-profit organisation in the Parkes Shire can apply for funding. Round 1 for the 2022/23 Community Financial Assistance program is now open! The Parkes Shire Council is encouraging groups and organisations to apply for a donation, a waiving of fees and charges, seed or growth funding. Applications close at 5pm on Friday, 13th August. For more information visit https://bit.ly/3yIjI9W 

Charity Ball: Northparkes Mines will be hosting a Frontline Charity Ball at the Parkes Leagues Club on Saturday, 20th August to raise funds and celebrate the emergency services within our local communities. The evening will consist of a sit down dinner, live music by Gabemusic and auctions. It will also feature special guest hosts The Eighth Mile Consultancy Pty Ltd. Tickets available via: https://bit.ly/3uTGIlh 

Aboriginal Language For Personal Use: TAFE NSW Forbes is taking Expressions of Interest in Certificate I in Fundamental Aboriginal Languages for Personal Use. TAFE is looking at starting a part time course on a Wednesday night that would run for 17 weeks at the Forbes campus. This would be a fully subsidised course and is open to all students. Learn the foundations to reading and writing in your local language and join your community in protecting and promoting traditional languages for generations to come. Register your expression of at: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage 

AFL Trees: Fans of AFL and the environment will be pleased to hear that Planet Ark and National Tree Day major sponsor Toyota Australia are teaming up with the AFL to plant trees around Australia. During rounds 17-19, the AFL’s sustainability rounds, a native Australian seedling will be planted for every point scored across all games! 

It is National Tree Day on Sunday and to celebrate Forbes Shire Council’s Urban Services and Events teams planted 50 native eucalypts to create enhanced bird habitats.

Free Course For Young Livestock Competitors

July 29, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Young livestock competitors at the 582 agricultural shows around Australia are encouraged to complete a free online course in animal welfare and handling standards offered by Agricultural Shows Australia. The courses are designed for young exhibitors and judges of poultry, cattle, alpacas and sheep and are available on the organisation’s website. It was developed in partnership with the Australian Government’s Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment.

The courses provide training in the basics of animal handling and care, the principles of animal welfare and show ring ethics, safety and animal wellbeing. The courses can be accessed for free online at agshowsaustralia.thinkific.com

Creating Futures At Forbes North Public School

July 29, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Forbes North Public School is committed to ‘creating futures with education changing lives’ as a true reflection on what our school believes while celebrating the theme for Education Week 2022. 

Throughout Education Week and across the month of August our school is offering multiple opportunities for wider community including parents, carers, and extended family to visit the school, enjoy meaningful celebrations and acknowledge the importance of public education. 

Starting this week by celebrating ‘100 Days of School’, our 30 Kindergarten students dressed as if they were 100 years old to celebrate 100 days of primary school with parents and grandparents coming to school for a picnic in the sun on the common green area with a special cake cutting ceremony. 

NAIDOC 2022 was celebrated with a cultural immersion inviting local Aboriginal cultural group ‘River Spirit’ onto our grounds for a full day of authentic cultural activities. 

Next week during Education Week on Tuesday 2 August our school is open to our families from 10.00am until 3.30pm as our community comes to school at a time suitable to them to enjoy the playground sports and games, have lunch at the canteen, visit our classrooms and see first-hand what a day in public education really looks like. 

Our students will also commence a unique sports program including golf and squash at Forbes Golf Club, lawn bowls at Forbes Bowling Club and cycling around Lake Forbes. 

During August our senior students are attending an Eco Day in Parkes, hosting ‘Reading Up North’ previously known as Reading Downtown and Northparkes Mine are installing 20 roosting boxes in our mature trees allowing our students to observe and monitor breeding native birds including the Grass Parrot, Eastern Rosella, Currawong, Honey Eaters, other species and, we are hoping to attract rare birds such as the Swift Parrot to our playground. 

Parents and carers will also have the opportunity to attend Mathematics workshops over two evenings as our staff are currently focusing on place value and whole number as an area of interest and improvement across Kindergarten to Year 6 numeracy. 

Forbes North is also celebrating Education Week in August with a massive book sale combining the love of reading and the annual book week celebrations around the theme ‘Dreaming with Eyes Open’. Education changes lives and every student at Forbes North will have the opportunity to proudly celebrate public education in the coming weeks. 

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